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Yea big deal...everyone down there carries a machete...try pissing off a local in Jersey, San Clemente, or any other beach town in the US. Flat tires, broken windows, razors embedded in a board, ass kickins, oh yeah SHOT!!! Yea, yea, yea, Pavones is still safer than 99% of the places in the US. Might have to get myself a machete on my next visit to Costa Rica this summer.

Yeah this place has changed a LOT in the past few years. For every 1 machete attack you see on the news 20 go undocumented. There is a real drug problem developing in Pilon just down the road from Pavones. The area is a key drop spot for drug dealers to fly their stuff into Costa and distribute. Its not uncommon to see needles and other drug paraphernalia laying on the beach near the corner. This past summer the the local landmark the Cantina was burnt down due to some sketchy feud going on in town. The place just isn't the same anymore and its easy to understand why. Once your down there your on your own. Few local people actually make money off the traveling surfers and that has forced them to look for other means to make a living like stealing, selling drugs, ripping people off. There are 2 police officers for the entire area and they are likely paid off to look the other way. All that aside, its become such a popular destination that every swell over 5 ft is ridiculously crowded and INFESTED with brazilians. This place is quickly losing its magic and will be lost forever very soon.

im actually sitting in the airport of costa rica right now but i was at a different beach on the west coast. I think it was the best, most consistant surf ive ever seen. Had solid 4-5 foot clean waves every morning and evening the whole week. best trip ever.

Say what you want negative about Pavones or any place in Costa Rica...The drugs are headed to one place...The great consumers of the US. Costa Rica was and always will be one of the best places on earth...especially PAVONES. Drugs and crime are everywhere in the US with assh**** at every break. Costa Rica has no army and for the most part the people are awesome. I've been going there for the last 8 years. My friend and I were in Pavones in June for my 40th b-day and we met some GREAT locals and expats. Hung out at a little local bar with Costa Ricans just before you get into Pavones. It is a tight community and just like anywhere else on the planet there are always some bad seeds. If you don't go with an attitude and a big mouth, you got nothing to worry about. Helps if you learn a little about the culture and learn the language. I speak good spanish and have many friends that live there...don't knock the place. Oh yea did I mention they have a better wave than your home break on any givin day!!!!
PURA VIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!